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Lung Cancer
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What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs start to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming malignant (cancerous) tumors. It is primarily categorized into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.
How is Lung Cancer Staged?
Staging is a method doctors use to describe how advanced the cancer is. This helps determine the best treatment options and provides important insights into a patient’s prognosis. Lung cancer is generally staged from I to IV:
- Stage I: The cancer is limited to the lungs and hasn't spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage II: The cancer has grown into nearby tissues or has spread to lymph nodes close to the bronchus or lung hilum.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread further into mediastinal lymph nodes or has invaded major nearby structures like the trachea, heart, or large blood vessels.
- Stage IV: This advanced stage indicates the cancer has spread beyond the lungs, invading distant organs such as the brain, bones, liver, or significant structures like the heart or esophagus.
Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms can vary from one individual to another, but some common signs include:
- Persistent cough: A chronic cough or noticeable changes to an existing cough.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, feeling breathless, or experiencing wheezing.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing.
- Coughing up blood: Presence of blood or blood-tinged mucus when coughing (hemoptysis).
- Chest pain: Pain, discomfort, or pressure in the chest area.
- Fatigue: Ongoing tiredness or lack of energy.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss: Decreased appetite or unexpected weight loss.
Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer
Proton therapy is an advanced and precise form of radiation therapy increasingly used in lung cancer treatment. Compared to traditional X-ray radiation, proton therapy has unique benefits:
- High Precision: Proton beams deliver most of their energy directly at the tumor site, known as the "Bragg peak," which significantly reduces radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Fewer Side Effects: Because proton therapy targets cancer cells more precisely, it typically results in fewer side effects, improving patient comfort and quality of life during and after treatment.
- Broad Use: Proton therapy can effectively treat both early-stage and advanced-stage lung cancer.
- Protection of Vital Organs: Proton beams are carefully controlled to protect crucial nearby organs like the heart, healthy lung tissue, and the esophagus, minimizing the risk of damaging these areas.
While proton therapy offers great promise, doctors will carefully evaluate each patient’s condition and treatment needs to select the most suitable approach.
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